Revised on May 2, 2020

Chapter 15:

It had been a week since the arrival of the royal butlers. Sebastian and I sent out all the letters for the little party. As I read through the guest list, that was prepared, I came across a familiar name. Arthur Conan Doyle. He was the author of a few books that the master was reading. I remembered seeing one of his books in the library from the few times I cleaned there. I hadn't read anything from him, but considering it was one of the few books that didn't collect dirt on it I could tell the young master thoroughly enjoyed it.

As I stood in one of the many guest bedrooms, cleaning it to perfection, Sebastian was cleaning the fireplace in preparation for the colder days ahead.

"Sebastian..." I spoke up.

"Yes, Celesta?"

"I couldn't help but think about Charles Grey. There's another reason why the small party is happening, isn't it? Because from what I know of both of your personalities, you both don't agree to anything unless you have a plan up your sleeve."

Sebastian didn't tell me anything except gave me a wink and covered his lips with one finger.

"I'd appreciate a little more trust from you both."

"We cannot fully place our trust in you at the moment. You have only been serving the young master for almost two weeks, after all."

"Do the servants know of the plan?"

"They are too incompetent to understand anything I say."

I had to agree with him. But the servants' loyalty to the young master and Sebastian were relatable. I was as loyal to the circus as they are to Ciel... though their incompetence is uncanny to most.

"Sebastian if I'm not let in on the plan before that idiot comes here I don't know if I'll be able to hold back from strangling him."

"I understand your hesitancy to his character but you must remain indifferent."

I sighed and went to my chores. I hadn't the foggiest of who was going to take which room but I knew that no matter what I had to provide Phantomhive hospitality to the utmost of my ability.

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I was preparing a snack for myself in the kitchen until I heard the bell that led to the young master's study. It was odd seeing it get rung, but paying it no mind I headed to the young master's study. I figured it had something to do with Sebastian possibly not being able to fulfill his current orders so I walked there as fast as I could.

I knocked three times on the door once I arrived there. There was a faint "come in." I walked in and saw the young master with his head in his hands. He looked as if he was contemplating death.

"Is there something that you needed, young master?"

"Yes. I want you to make me lunch. Sebastian went on an errand for me rendering him unable to." He looked up at me and placed his head in his right palm. "Are you even capable of cooking?"

"I can cook. Just because I came from a circus doesn't mean I don't know how to do anything right. I'll be back with your lunch soon."

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The young lord's lunch consisted of one slice of treacle tart with whipped cream and a single cherry on top. It was one of those dishes that I was glad I learned how to make before I came to Britain. Albeit it was a long time since I had cooked something as serious as tarts but it was fairly easy to remember. I walked out the door of the kitchen and carefully carried the snack in both my hands in front of me when I felt a small whiff of air on my right. I knocked three times outside the young master's door, waiting for the "come in". When I heard it I walked in and Sebastian was standing by him like the loyal dog he was.

That explains the small wind earlier.

"Here is your lunch young master."

"Thank you, Celesta. Before you go I have some details about the banquet next week. As you know we are hosting a very special guest. I cannot tell you what I have planned. See it as a test of your loyalty."

"I understand. Is that all?"

"I trust that you will make smart choices. Now you may leave.

My loyalty was riding on this one event. I couldn't mess this up.

I updated it within the month. Are you proud of me now? I hope you enjoyed this chapter. The next chapter will begin in the murder arc and I may end the story after that or continue the story from the Atlantic arc, depending on if I see it or not. BYE ^_^